William Woods campus closed to general public on solar eclipse day

FULTON - The President of William Woods University announced Wednesday that the university's main campus in Fulton will be closed to the general public on Monday. Aug. 21 is the first day of fall semester classes and coincides with widespread viewings of the solar eclipse. The eclipse is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the area.

“Although we prize our standing as a good neighbor and solid member of the Fulton community, our top priority is the safety and convenience of our students, faculty and staff,” university president Jahnae Barnett said. Barnett said the university is unable to safely accommodate the possibility of hundreds of additional people on campus to view the eclipse, especially in terms of traffic, parking and facilities.

William Woods University will also have a limited number of eye protection glasses that are reserved for members of the university community.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni are welcome on campus Aug. 21. The university asks members of the general public to attend eclipse watching events elsewhere.

People will have opportunities to experience the eclipse in other ways, courtesy of the university:

The Mildred M. Cox Gallery is hosting an exhibit called Light and Shadow, with more than 50 art pieces honoring the eclipse. The exhibit is on display Aug. 15 to 25, with an opening reception and awards ceremony on Aug. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Assistant professor Joe Kyger from the science department will use the university’s telescope to view the eclipse. Look for his video to be posted on William Woods University social media following the eclipse Monday afternoon.